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Wednesday, 07 February 2018 11:42

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs, are different from the other types of stroke because the flow of blood to the brain is only briefly interrupted. Even though they are referred to as “mini” strokes, TIAs should be regarded as medical emergencies just like the other kinds of stroke, even if the blockage of the artery is temporary. They serve as warning signs for future strokes and indicate that there is a partially blocked artery or clot source in the heart.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over a third of people who experience a TIA go on to have a major stroke within a year if they have not received any treatment. Between 10-15% will have a major stroke within 3 months of a TIA.1

Causes

TIAs are usually caused by one of three things:

  • Low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain.
  • A blood clot in another part of the body (such as the heart) breaks off, travels to the brain, and blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
  • Narrowing of the smaller blood vessel in the brain, blocking blood flow for a short period of time.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms for TIA include:

  • Numbness on one side of your body
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness or lose your balance
  • Trouble talking or understanding
  • Problems with your vision
  • Severe headache

 

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Risk Factors

Complications

TIAs may be called "mini" strokes, but their long-term effects aren't minimal. Just like strokes, they're a medical emergency—requiring prompt attention. They serve as warning signs for future strokes and indicate that there is a partially blocked artery or clot source in the heart. Between 10-15% will have a major stroke within 3 months of a TIA.

It is important to note that there are three types of Strokes and up to 80% of strokes can be prevented. Click here to read Everything You Need to Know About Stroke.

 

1Centers for Disease Control, Types of Stroke

 

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More in this category: « Peripheral Artery Disease

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